Media Relations

PEOPLEPC(R) ONLINE ACCELERATES DIAL-UP SERVICE WITH MAXSPEED

Dial-Up Members Can Surf The Web Up To Five Times Faster Than Before

SAN FRANCISCO, December 12, 2003 - For dial-up customers looking for quicker download times when surfing the Web, PeoplePC(R) Online, a leading provider of high-quality, value-priced Internet services, today announced that it has launched PeoplePC Online MaxSpeed.

Featuring an acceleration technology, MaxSpeed enables users to surf the Web at speeds that are up to five times faster previous dial-up rates. This added boost for dial-up Web surfing, along with PeoplePC's standard Smart Dialer technology for fast and reliable connections, will be priced at a monthly rate of $15.95.

"PeoplePC Online MaxSpeed delivers on the growing consumer demand for speed when surfing the Web," said Julian King, PeoplePC's vice president of marketing. "MaxSpeed is the first in a line of new tools and features that PeoplePC expects to launch in 2004 to enhance our customers' Internet experience."

PeoplePC Online MaxSpeed enables faster surfing speeds by utilizing a Web acceleration technology that reduces the size of Web pages and page elements sent to members browsers. PeoplePC Online subscribers enjoy unlimited nationwide access with more than 9,000 local dial-up numbers and proprietary Smart Dialer technology that automatically connects them to the highest quality, most available number so they always have the best connection.

About PeoplePC
PeoplePC, an EarthLink company (NASDAQ: ELNK), is a leading provider of high-quality, value-priced Internet service through its PeoplePC Online brand. We are committed to making it easy and affordable for consumers to get online. The PeoplePC platform ensures quality connections and fewer busy signals though the use of proprietary Smart Dialer technology. Visit us at www.peoplepc.com.